Dear Families,
I have delayed reaching out to you, because we wanted to be able to communicate exactly what would be the next steps in the Confirmation program for your candidate.
Of course, as with so many other things in this Covid year, much is still uncertain. However, I wanted to bring you up to date.
First of all, if you have not already heard, I have taken the decision to retire as of 12/31/20. I didn't make this decision lightly. However, it is difficult to engage in ministry at a distance, and due to underlying health concerns, I should minimize my possible exposure. David Mika and Renata Sosin will assume responsibility for the administration of the program in the second half of the year.
Second, when I communicated with you in June, I let you know that we had been assigned a Confirmation date in March. It is unlikely that this will be the date of the ceremony. All we can ask at this point is that you stay tuned, and when a more firm date is set, you will know as soon as possible. If nothing else, this year has taught us to be more flexible.
Third, there are some forms that we need from your candidate and his/her sponsor. This online form provides us with information. It is due on January 15.
This form should be given to the sponsor to have filled out at his/her own parish church and returned to us at St. Emily by January 20. (One note: if an older sibling who was confirmed at St. Emily or St. Thomas Becket is the sponsor, the form is not necessary. Just let us know that this is the case.)
Fourth, a retreat is required for Confirmation. We don't know yet what form this retreat will take. (It is usually held in January, but it is unrealistic to plan a large group gathering that soon.) As soon as the shape of the retreat is determined, David and Renata will let you know.
Reduction in the Fee
One of my favorite activities with the confirmandi has been the pilgrimage in the fall. However, due to the continuing situation with the Covid-19 emergency, scheduling this field trip is just not possible.
As a result, we are reducing the Confirmation fee to $50, to reflect the elimination of this feature of the program. If you have already paid the fee, we will arrange for a refund for you.
Works of Mercy haven't been rescheduled
The Lord connects the Works of Mercy to our life in eternity. So, while many things have been shelved, and we have all had to make adjustments, the Works of Mercy are still there, ready to be acted upon.
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